Sports Card News

In a tale befitting a Hollywood heist movie, two men have been sentenced for their roles in the sensational theft of rare baseball cards worth $2.1 million from a Strongsville hotel earlier this year.

Jacob R. Paxton, a 28-year-old from Brunswick who was employed at the hotel, admitted to aggravated theft in October. He received a sentence of four to six years behind bars, followed by two to five years of community control. Paxton was also ordered to pay over $89,000 in restitution for his involvement in the crime. As part of his plea deal, a charge of tampering with evidence was dropped.

The daring heist took place when a shipment of collectible cards from vintage sports card dealer Memory Lane Inc. arrived at the Best Western Plus hotel on April 17. The cards were destined for a sports card expo at the Brunswick Auto Mart Arena nearby. Prosecutors alleged that Paxton, an employee at the hotel, seized the opportunity to pilfer the valuable cards from the delivered packages.

In his court appearance, Paxton expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the harm caused. He shared, “I just want to say that I’m very sorry to the victim, and this doesn’t show who I am… I should have been honest from the start.” Paxton confessed to withholding information from detectives initially out of fear.

After the theft, Paxton entrusted the stolen cards to Jason Bowling, a 51-year-old from Cleveland. Bowling’s attorney maintained that his client was under the impression that the cards had been discovered in a dumpster and was unaware of their stolen origins.

Authorities conducted a search of Bowling’s residence on May 23, leading to the recovery of all but two of the stolen cards. Through meticulous investigative work involving phone records, surveillance footage, GPS data, and witness testimony, both men were tied to the crime.

Bowling pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property in October and was sentenced to one year of community control for his role in the scheme.

The repercussions of the heist were severe for Memory Lane Inc., causing substantial financial losses and reputational damage to the esteemed sports card dealer. As outlined in a victim impact statement, the company suffered the loss of a $2 million loan, $100,000 in interest, and endured a tarnished reputation as a result of the incident.

Despite the recovery efforts, two of the stolen cards remain unaccounted for:

– A 1909 T204 Ramly Walter Johnson card graded PSA 5, Certificate No. 90586922

– A 1941 Play Ball No. 14 Ted Williams card in near-mint-to-mint condition, graded PSA 8, Certificate No. 05159693

Individuals with information regarding the whereabouts of these missing cards are encouraged to reach out to the Strongsville police at 440-580-3247, citing report No. 2024-000693.

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For recent USC graduate Alec Word, December turned out to be much more than just a celebratory period for earning his Business Administration and Finance degree. The young graduate stepped into the limelight of the sports card collecting community with an extraordinary stroke of luck that left many in awe of his fortune.

Alec’s journey into the realm of high-stakes collecting took a thrilling turn on December 7th when he ventured into Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles for the very first time. While casually opening packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in-store, Alec stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime discovery: the elusive 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card featuring Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.

Reflecting on the moment, Alec shared, “I didn’t realize the magnitude of my find at first. The shop’s ecstatic reaction tipped me off—they were in a frenzy.”

Co-owner of Jaspy’s, Maren Jaspersen, fondly recounted the excitement that filled the store that day. “We were all absolutely thrilled for him! It was his inaugural visit to our shop, and he left with a major jackpot.”

The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, introduced in the 2023 Topps line, stand out as some of the most sought-after treasures in the collecting world. Each card showcases a unique patch from a player’s jersey from their MLB debut game, coupled with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards hold immense value for enthusiasts.

At the time Alec pulled his card, around 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been documented by collectors, rendering his discovery even more exceptional.

But Alec’s stroke of luck did not conclude there.

Returning to Jaspy’s on December 10th, he opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their improved odds of containing low-numbered cards. Opening them in the comfort of his home via FaceTime with friends, Alec experienced another strike of luck—this time unearthing the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.

Overwhelmed with joy, Alec exclaimed, “I was in utter disbelief. I started sprinting around the house, shouting in sheer excitement. It felt surreal.”

Alec’s rekindled interest in collecting was sparked during the pandemic as a means to bond with his brother, who is recuperating from back surgery. “It’s a delightful activity we can enjoy together,” Alec expressed.

Regarding the cards, Alec swiftly sold the Westburg card to a devoted Orioles supercollector, but plans to preserve the Ferrer card for his personal collection.

Maren, representing Jaspy’s, encapsulated the sentiment succinctly: “His streak of luck left us dumbfounded. To pull off two phenomenal cards in just a span of a few days is precisely what makes this hobby so enthralling.”

Equipped with a prestigious degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a profound affection for sports, Alec aspires to channel his ardor into a promising career in the sports industry. Whether he is hitting the jackpot in the card collecting realm or pursuing his professional ambitions, Alec’s December saga will undoubtedly go down in history as one for the record books.

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Yankees fans will likely shudder at the mention of the 2024 World Series, a bitter memory marked by Aaron Judge’s infamous dropped fly ball during Game 5. The heart-wrenching error, forever etched in baseball lore, recently found a new owner – all for the price of $43,510 at an auction orchestrated by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In a game that Yankees faithful would prefer to erase from memory, Judge’s mishandling of Tommy Edman’s fly ball set off a disastrous chain of events. The mishap paved the way for the Dodgers to capitalize on the mistakes, turning a five-run deficit into a triumphant victory in Game 5 that led them to claim the coveted World Series title.

Despite the agony it represents for fans of the pinstripes, one avid collector saw value in owning this piece of sports history. The auction saw a surge of interest on its final day, starting at a modest $17,000 bid and rapidly climbing as enthusiasts vied for the iconic ball.

Whether viewed as a nod to the Dodgers’ success or a solemn relic of the Yankees’ misfortune, this ball now serves as a tangible memento of one of the most pivotal moments in the thrilling 2024 baseball season. By forking out $43,510, the new owner has guaranteed that the memory of this game-changing play will remain alive and vivid for years to come.

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Lionel Messi’s stellar performance has once again captured the hearts of fans worldwide, as he was recently announced as the 2024 MLS MVP. The Argentine superstar, playing for Inter Miami CF, displayed an unmatched level of skill and dominance throughout the season, tallying an impressive 36 goal contributions in just 19 games. Messi secured a staggering 38% of the MVP vote, solidifying his status as a true legend of the game.

In celebration of this monumental achievement, Topps Now unveiled a limited edition Collector’s Edition MVP card dedicated to Lionel Messi. Numbered to only 99 copies, this exclusive card featured unique design elements and premium craftsmanship that instantly made it a must-have item for collectors and fans alike. Priced at $199.99, the card flew off the shelves within moments of its release on December 6, leaving many enthusiasts empty-handed.

The Lionel Messi – 2024 MLS Topps Now MVP Collector’s Edition Card (#173CE) is a testament to the footballer’s unparalleled talent and charisma. Crafted with 130pt premium cardstock and adorned with exquisite gold foil accents, the card exudes luxury and elegance. The dynamic image of Messi clad in Inter Miami’s iconic black jersey, captured in a moment of celebration, encapsulates his indelible mark on the sport.

Throughout the 2024 season, Messi’s impact transcended mere statistics, as his leadership played a pivotal role in guiding Inter Miami CF to clinch the Supporter’s Shield. This triumph not only showcased Messi’s individual brilliance but also underscored his ability to elevate the performance of his teammates and propel the team to new heights. As a result of this success, Inter Miami CF secured crucial advantages for the upcoming 2024 Playoffs and earned a coveted spot in the prestigious 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

The accolade of MLS MVP adds another illustrious title to Messi’s storied career, which already boasts an impressive array of achievements, including eight Ballon d’Or awards, a record-breaking 672 goals for Barcelona, and numerous historical milestones in La Liga. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time continues to grow with each passing season, solidifying his status as a true football icon.

The release of the MVP Collector’s Edition card marked a historic moment in sports memorabilia, with collectors and fans alike clamoring to own a piece of this limited-edition gem. With only 99 copies in circulation, the card has already garnered acclaim as one of the most coveted items in the world of sports cards, symbolizing not just Messi’s exceptional MLS season but also a rare opportunity to own a piece of football history.

As Lionel Messi’s legacy unfolds with each remarkable feat on the field, this exclusive card stands as a timeless tribute to his greatness, ensuring that his impact on the world of football will be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.

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Call of Duty enthusiasts and trading card collectors rejoice as the latest batch of Call of Duty League (CDL) trading cards for the 2022-23 season have officially hit the market. Available for purchase on Upper Deck’s website, these cards are creating a buzz among fans eager to get their hands on the newest additions to their collections.

This release is particularly special as it introduces trading cards for the Boston Breach, a new team that joined the league during the Vanguard season. Additionally, fans can expect to see cards featuring players from OpTic Texas, a team formed from the merger of Dallas Empire and OpTic Gaming. The anticipation is high for rookie cards of rising stars like Scrap and possibly Ghosty, depending on the final lineup of players included in the checklist.

The history of competitive Call of Duty stretches back to the franchise’s inception in 2003. However, the official Call of Duty League was established in 2019 with the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Since its inception, CDL has revolutionized esports with its city-based team structure and structured competitions, bringing a whole new level of excitement to the gaming world.

Upper Deck, a key player in the trading card industry, partnered with CDL in 2022 to produce a set of trading cards featuring players from the Modern Warfare (2019) and Cold War seasons. While this collaboration marked Upper Deck’s official entry into the world of Call of Duty trading cards, it wasn’t the first time Call of Duty players were immortalized on collectibles. In 2021, Mountain Dew Game Fuel collaborated with Call of Duty to release a special set of cards featuring top players like Seth “Scump” Abner and Thomas “ZooMaa” Paparatto.

Known for its involvement in esports collectibles, Upper Deck also holds licenses for the Overwatch League in addition to the Call of Duty League. Its impressive portfolio includes various trading card sets, such as the 2022 Upper Deck Call of Duty Game Dated Moments series. This unique series showcased significant moments and rookie players like Amer “Pred” Zulbeari, a pivotal member of OpTic Texas’s World Championship victory.

The 2022-23 trading card release coincides with the sixth season of the Call of Duty League, marking a continued evolution from its predecessor, the Call of Duty World League. This transition from the open tournament format to the city-based competition has brought a new level of structure and competitiveness to the esports landscape, captivating audiences worldwide.

Fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get their hands on the latest trading cards, with some professional players expressing their own excitement about collecting these cards. The vibrant community surrounding the CDL is abuzz with anticipation as collectors gear up to secure their favorite pieces from this year’s set.

For gaming enthusiasts and collectors, the 2022-23 Call of Duty League trading cards offer a chance to own a slice of gaming history. Dive into the world of CDL by visiting Upper Deck’s website to explore the collection and snag your favorite cards from the thrilling 2022-23 season!

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In a world where wrestling meets collectibles, the 2024 National Treasures WWE edition emerges as a bittersweet farewell to Panini’s era in the wrestling card industry. Touted for its legacy of premium quality in sports cards, the National Treasures brand has set the bar high for excellence. However, the debut of the 2024 National Treasures WWE edition has left collectors pondering if this grand finale lives up to its prestigious reputation.

National Treasures, with its luxurious offerings of on-card autographs and hefty game-used memorabilia in basketball and football, had fans eagerly awaiting similar treatment in the wrestling realm. Unfortunately, the initial breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes have revealed a different narrative. Instead of on-card autographs, collectors have come across sticker signatures, which are typically viewed as less desirable in the collecting community. Furthermore, the encased relics come with disclaimers stating, “The enclosed authentic memorabilia is not from any specific match or event,” raising doubts about their genuineness and connection to the featured wrestlers. This departure from specific match-related memorabilia falls short of the authenticity that collectors have come to expect from the National Treasures series.

The transition of licensing often unleashes a wave of change in the products offered. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast how similar shifts in the past have seen manufacturers prioritizing the clearance of existing inventory over retaining premium features during these transitions, hinting at a potential reason behind the underwhelming aspects of the 2024 National Treasures WWE edition.

As collectors voice their opinions, reactions diverge into two distinct camps. On one side, there are those with lofty expectations left dissatisfied by the prevalence of sticker autographs and non-specific relics in the set. On the other hand, some collectors who anticipated compromises in the product’s quality appreciate its sleek design and view it as a fitting conclusion to Panini’s run in the WWE card market.

Adding another layer of complexity is the delay in the full hobby release of the product, without any official explanation provided. While the market currently buzzes with FOTL breaks, collectors are left speculating whether the standard boxes, once released, will bring improvements or mirror the format already revealed.

The 2024 National Treasures WWE release signifies the end of an era as Panini makes its exit from the WWE trading card domain. Instead of a grand finale, the release acts as a reflective piece, showcasing how a brand navigates the concluding stages of a licensing deal. The product has left collectors divided, raising questions about its worthiness as a send-off.

With the full hobby release looming, the market’s reception will determine if Panini’s final WWE cards can salvage their reputation or fade into obscurity. Currently, collectors are left with a visually appealing product that strays from the usual grandeur associated with National Treasures, sparking debates on what the future holds for wrestling collectibles post-Panini.

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Fanatics and Sotheby’s are once again teaming up to bring collectors and enthusiasts an extraordinary event in the world of sports cards. Following the success of their previous collaboration, the two powerhouses are gearing up to launch their second high-profile auction, the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” which will showcase rare and historic Upper Deck Exquisite cards. Scheduled to go live on December 16th, this auction is set to make waves in the world of collectibles.

The success of their first collaboration, aptly named “Holy Grails,” serves as a testament to the potential of this upcoming auction. The “Holy Grails” auction raked in over $7 million in sales from just 33 cards, featuring noteworthy sales like the 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 9 card fetching $840,000 and the 2003 LeBron James Exquisite rookie patch autograph selling for $432,000. These sales, alongside others, highlighted the increasing demand for premium sports cards and solidified the Fanatics-Sotheby’s partnership as a dominant force in the collectibles market.

The focus of the upcoming auction, “Exquisite | Capsule Collection,” will be solely on cards from Upper Deck’s Exquisite line, a collection that has redefined the sports card industry. Revered for its top-tier materials, innovative designs, and iconic Rookie Patch Autographs (RPAs), the Exquisite line is a benchmark for luxury cards in the market. The collection will include 11 ultra-rare cards, featuring individual LeBron James masterpieces and a Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman triple Logoman card commemorating the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty. These cards are not just pieces for trading but also curated works of art, blending rarity, player significance, and historical value into one.

The legacy of the Exquisite product line by Upper Deck is a storied one. When it was first introduced, it pushed the boundaries of the industry with high-end RPAs at unprecedented price points. Initially met with skepticism, the Exquisite line eventually became the industry standard for premium sports cards, with prices skyrocketing over the years to reflect the cultural and collectible importance of these pieces.

Mark your calendars for December 16th, as the “Exquisite | Capsule Collection” is expected to draw attention from around the globe. With its exceptional curation and Sotheby’s renowned presentation of fine collectibles, this auction has the potential to establish new benchmarks in the sports card market. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or simply a fan, this event promises to showcase some of the most extraordinary sports cards ever produced. Don’t miss out on this remarkable opportunity to witness history in the making.

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Hulk Hogan once again proves his supremacy, not in the ring but in the scintillating world of collectibles. Over the weekend, the scene-stealer was a 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card that fetched an astounding $132,000, shattering records for wrestling memorabilia. This stellar achievement firmly establishes Hogan as the poster boy of one of the most revered card sets in wrestling’s illustrious past.

This sale smashes the existing record held by a 2022 Prizm Black 1/1 card of The Rock, which commanded $126,000 earlier this year. Hogan’s triumphant moment in the collectibles realm mirrors his domination inside the wrestling ring, serving as a poignant reminder to fans and collectors alike of his enduring legacy.

The 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set stands tall as the holy grail of wrestling cards, celebrated for showcasing the “rookie” cards of iconic legends such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and André the Giant. This set has stood the test of time as a cornerstone of wrestling memorabilia, with Hogan’s card gleaming as the coveted gem among them.

Prior to this groundbreaking auction, Hogan’s card had already commanded significant value, with previous sales hovering around the $50,000 mark. Similarly, other cards from the same set have witnessed remarkable price tags, including a BGS 9.5 André the Giant card that exchanged hands for $47,970.

What propels Hogan’s card into the stratosphere of value? Well, for starters, a mere 18 PSA 9-graded copies exist, with no sightings of PSA 10s on record. The card that set tongues wagging this weekend also boasted an MBA Gold sticker, signaling its status as one of the finest-graded specimens out there. These elements, coupled with Hogan’s iconic stature, propelled the card to its staggering, record-breaking price tag.

The electrifying sale formed part of a red-letter weekend for Heritage Auctions, which tallied a jaw-dropping $22.7 million in total sales. Among the standout moments was the resurgence of a 1979 O-Pee-Chee case housing Wayne Gretzky rookie cards. This case, which had previously raked in $3.7 million before a buyer reneged, found a new home for $2.5 million—still a commendable sum despite the dip in price.

While the undisputed monarch of wrestling cards reigns supreme with the 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set, modern releases are fast gaining ground. The 2002 Fleer Royal Rumble set, flaunting rookie cards of luminaries like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Batista, could pose a challenge to the All-Stars set in the days to come. With its galaxy of stars, the Fleer set holds the promise of becoming the next big sensation for wrestling card enthusiasts.

At this moment, Hulk Hogan’s $132,000 card wears the crown, symbolizing the allure of nostalgia and the unceasing demand for vintage collectibles. This sale not only marks a triumph for Hulk Hogan but also serves as a testament to the escalating esteem of wrestling cards as prized assets in the expansive sports card market.

In the universe of collectibles, Hulkamania isn’t merely alive—it’s thriving like never before.

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Major League Soccer has taken a leap into the collectible card market with the introduction of the 2024 Topps Chrome series, echoing the fervor seen with Major League Baseball’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update. The release of the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome on December 4 has set collectors abuzz, especially with the buzz surrounding one of its most prized cards—a redemption for Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch Card has already been revealed.

In a thrilling turn of events on December 7, Andy Wert, the owner of E and J Boutique in Brooklyn, NY, was the lucky individual who cracked open a hobby box of the new MLS product and discovered the ultimate treasure within—a redemption for Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch Card. Lloris, the esteemed goalkeeper known for leading France to World Cup victory in 2018 and holding the record for the most appearances for the French national team with 145 caps, made his MLS debut with Los Angeles FC this year. This unique card has instantly become a gem for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Priced at a modest $120, the hobby box offers two chrome autographs per box, but it is the redemption card for Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch that steals the spotlight as one of the most coveted pulls in the entire set.

The 2024 MLS Topps Chrome release represents a groundbreaking moment for MLS trading cards by featuring Debut Patch Cards that exhibit genuine jersey patches from players’ initial MLS appearances. The collection includes 35 Debut Patch Cards, showcasing prominent global athletes such as Luis Suárez, the Uruguayan striker now playing for Inter Miami, Emil Forsberg, the Swedish international with the New York Red Bulls, and Federico Redondo, an up-and-coming Argentinian talent at Inter Miami. Among these stars, Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch Card shines as one of the highly sought-after cards in the set, blending his illustrious international career with his new chapter in Major League Soccer.

While the hobby boxes of MLB’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update have surged to $400 in the secondary market, the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome product remains an affordable option at $120 per box. With several prominent Debut Patch Cards still out there, including those of Suárez and Forsberg, soccer enthusiasts are eagerly diving into the chase to secure their own piece of sporting history.

The introduction of Debut Patch Cards signifies a significant expansion for MLS collectible cards, solidifying their position as a rising star in the collectibles market. Through showcasing international legends and commemorating their MLS debuts, the league has successfully tapped into a burgeoning collector base hungry for distinctive memorabilia.

As collectors across the globe continue to rip open packs of the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome series, the fervor and anticipation surrounding this release show no signs of waning. With Hugo Lloris’s reveal capturing headlines, fans are on the edges of their seats, waiting to witness which of the remaining iconic cards will surface next.

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Fanatics Fest NYC is back in 2025, promising a bigger, better, and more immersive experience for fans and collectors alike. The highly anticipated event will take place at the Javits Center in New York City from June 20–22, 2025, offering attendees an unforgettable time.

Transforming New York City into a hub for fandom, collecting, and cultural celebration, Fanatics Fest brings together athletes, leagues, teams, and brands to create the ultimate fan experience. With enhanced programming, larger spaces, and exclusive offerings, the 2025 edition aims to set new standards in fan experiences.

The inaugural Fanatics Fest NYC in August 2024 welcomed over 70,000 fans across three days, receiving widespread acclaim and generating social buzz. Encouraged by this success, organizers are ramping up for the 2025 edition, featuring expanded live programming, enhanced autograph zones, exclusive collaborations, bigger trading card exhibits, and more interactive activations to cater to fans and collectors.

The star-studded lineup for Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 will feature over 500 global stars, including athletes, artists, creators, and entertainers engaging with fans through panels, meet-and-greets, and live demonstrations. A trailer for the event has been released by Bolded, bringing expertise in multi-platform storytelling to showcase the festival’s exciting moments.

Attendees can expect interactive experiences with leagues and teams, exclusive merchandise drops, autograph sessions with top names, live programming, surprise moments, and a premier trading card and collectibles show with hundreds of hobby shops and dealers for trading, buying, and selling.

Ticketing information includes an exclusive presale for 2024 event attendees from December 5–8, 2024, followed by a presale for PayPal users from December 10–12, with general ticket sales opening on December 13. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin and Fanatics Events CEO Lance Fensterman are thrilled about the upcoming event, promising more athletes, interactive experiences, and exclusive products in 2025.

For more details and ticketing information, fans can visit FanaticsFest.com to secure their spots at this one-of-a-kind celebration of fandom, culture, and collectibles. Ensure not to miss out on the ultimate fan experience at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025!

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